(indieWIRE: 03.28.02) — The finalists for the 2002 Aspen Shortsfestcompetition, to be held April 9 – 13, were announced Tuesday, including 59films representing 21 countries from North and South America, Europe,Africa, Asia, and Australia. Oscar nominees “Strange Invaders” (Canada) and “Gregor’s Greatest Invention” (Germany) will be highlights, along with thepremieres of Alice Elliot‘s documentary “The Collector of Bedford Street“(USA), Hanno Hofer‘s “Humanitarian Aid” (Romania), and Steve Ayson‘s “The French Doors” (New Zealand).

“Shortsfest offers a unique forum bringing together emerging artists,mentoring professionals, and film lovers,” commented Aspen FilmfestExecutive Director Laura Thielen in a prepared statement. “And with itsmajestic surroundings and the town’s informal, intimate scale – Aspenis the perfect place to do it!”

Actress Sarah Polley (“Guinevere“) will be in town with her second film,“I Shout Love,” and Bob Giraldi will screen “The Routine.” Another notable inclusion is the world premiere of “Yard” by Bob Sabiston of “Waking Life” animation fame.

Screenings will be held nightly at Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House and on theweekend at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale. The festival will also featurespecial programs including the “Director Spotlight” with John McKay(“Crush“); a discussion of filmmakers’ responses to the events of September11; a two-part symposium on the collaborative dimension of filmmaking; ayouth series; and a conversation with cinematographer Allen Daviau on the20th anniversary of “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial.” Former Shortsfest winnersTodd Field and Serena Rathbun (both of “In the Bedroom“) will be special guests at the closing ceremony, where more than $20,000 in cash and otherprizes will be awarded. [Jacque Lynn Schiller]

[For more information, visit: http://www.aspenshortsfest.org>.]

>> Spike Lee Named Artistic Director at NYU

(indieWIRE: 03.28.02) — Spike Lee has been named the Artistic Director ofthe graduate division of the Kanbar Institute of Film and Television at NewYork University‘s Tisch School of the Arts. The post gives Lee an advisoryposition at the school, letting him teach and advise third year students, aswell as help with industry networking.

“Spike has unimpeachable professional and artistic credentials in bothnarrative and documentary filmmaking,” commented Tisch Dean Mary SchmidtCampbell. “I am confident that, working in tandem with Christine Choy, thenew department chair, he will move the graduate program forward and ensurethat it remain the top film program in the country.” [Eugene Hernandez]

>> Ang Lee Takes on “The Hulk”

(indieWIRE: 03.28.02) — Ang Lee and James Schamus, best known for work on lauded films including “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “The Ice Storm,” are moving beyond acrobatic Chinese warriors and the evils of Watergate-erasuburbia , turning to shirt-busting green muscles. Director Lee has startedprincipal photography on “The Hulk,” his contemporary take on the MarvelComics superhero, with a screenplay written by Schamus.

Universal said this production is “staying true to the subversive spirit ofthe early Marvel years, while completely updating and projecting The Hulkinto the dangers and aspirations of contemporary times.” [Wendy Mitchell]